Central team captures table tennis medals at Winter Games

The Central Girls Table Tennis team defeated Avalon, Western and the host Clarenville team in their division round robin schedule to finish first in this division with a 3-0 record at the provincial Winter Games in Clarenville last week.The girls went on to defeat Eastern in the semi-finals and then faced Labrador in the championship match. The Central girls played excellent table tennis but were not able to defeat the strong Labrador team. Congratulations to coach Mark Warren, manager Denise Simms, and the Central girls table tennis team on a fantastic Silver medal performance.

The Central Boys Table Tennis Team, in the round robin competition, defeated Western and the host Clarenville team but lost to Mount Pearl South to finish in second place in their division.

The Team went on to face Avalon in the semi-finals but lost to them in a nail-biter doubles tie-breaker. The team went on to play a strong Labrador team in the bronze medal match. The eight-game round ended in a 4-4 tie, necessitating a doubles team tie-break.

Brandon Roberts and Jake Vincent rose to the occasion to defeat Labrador in a fifth and deciding game. Congratulations coach Mark Warren, manager Denise Simms, and the Central boys table tennis team on an impressive bronze medal performance.

In the individual competition, Central players did well.

Brianna Warren of Robert's Arm (Dorset Collegiate) captured the Gold in the Girls Under 14 event. She later went on to defeat the Under 17 girls champ from Labrador 3 games to 1 to take top place in female play.

Coach Mark Warren and manager Denise Simms say both Central Table Tennis Teams, boys and girls, truly rose to the occasion at this major championship and showed that they are a team to be reckoned with in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Games were a most positive experience, with great sportsmanship displayed, fantastic food, fantastic closing ceremonies, and many new friendships formed.

They also thank everyone who showed up to cheer on and support the table tennis teams at the Winter Games.